Courchevel - slopes

Ski highlights for all levels

Beginners: 1850 and 1650 are great areas for beginners with lots of greens and blues. Courchevel has also developed its own ‘ZEN’ zones that are dedicated to beginners and completely secured. It also plans a minipass for beginners that gives access to about 20 lifts.

Intermediates: furthest left as you look at the Courchevel piste map is 1650 – great for quieter slopes (try Chapelets).The Dou du Midi run that goes down to 1550 is a great experience. Take a big trip through the Three Valleys.

Experts: where to choose for a day out will be your only dilemma. The famous “couloirs de la Saulire”? The Suisses run? The delights of 1650? There are many, many excellent options. To get to Val Thorens/Orelle and back is do-able as a day trip and will take most of the day. It is well worth it. Enjoy testing yourself on Chanrossa at the top of Courchevel and on Jockeys on the way down to 1300.   

Off piste

The hidden valley in 1650 leads down to the Roc Mugnier chair. Legendary off-piste runs include the Col du Fruit and the Vallée des Avals. If you are unfamiliar with the area, hire a guide. 
 

Ski schools and guides

The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) is well established in Couchevel, with 800 instructors making it the biggest ski school in Europe. There are three branches:  Courchevel 1850 (00 33 47 908 07 72), Courchevel 1650 (00 33 47 908 07 28), and Courchevel 1550 (00 33 479 08 21 07).

Other ski schools operating in resort include Magic Ski and Snowboard Academy (00 33 47 908 11 99) (following a merger of Magic in Motion and Ski Academy). 

Lift system

Courchevel has over one third of the Three Valleys’ 172 lifts. The Three Valleys is vast and takes a long time to ski across. Beginners will have adequate skiing with a Courchevel lift pass. Intermediates and above should buy a Three Valleys pass. 

Snow reliability and snowmaking

With 80% of the ski area above 1850 metres, Courchevel has very good snow conditions and good snowmaking facilities too. 

Terrain park

Courchevel has a brand new snow park in 1850 in the Verdons area. There will also be a family park.